The short answer
Collagens are a family of proteins that strengthen and support many tissues in the body, including cartilage, bone, tendon, skin, and the white part of the eye (the sclera). Type I collagen is the most abundant form of collagen in the human body.
Different types, different places
There is more than one type of collagen. Type I is the one most often discussed. Type III collagen is found in the skin, lungs, intestinal walls, and the walls of blood vessels. Each type is built from protein chains that are coded by specific genes.
How the body makes it
Collagens begin as rope-like procollagen molecules, each made up of three chains. Enzymes process these molecules in a series of steps inside and outside the cell to create mature collagen. The collagen molecules then arrange themselves into long, thin fibrils that form stable interactions (cross-links) with one another in the spaces between cells. The cross-links produce strong collagen fibers.
What this page does not say
The sources listed below describe what collagen is and where it is found. They do not tell you whether swallowing collagen in a supplement changes collagen in your own tissues, and this page makes no claim that collagen gummies improve skin, hair, nails, joints or any other health outcome. Research on supplements is a separate question, and results in studies can differ from person to person and product to product.
If you are comparing products, our collagen gummy comparison explains how we look at ingredients, and our disclaimer explains how the site earns money.
Sources
- MedlinePlus Genetics (U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health): COL1A1 gene (type I collagen)
- MedlinePlus Genetics (U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health): COL3A1 gene (type III collagen)
Disclaimer
This page is educational and is not medical advice. TopCollagenGummies is an independent site and is not affiliated with any government agency. Collagen gummies are dietary supplements, not medications. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medications, have a health condition, or are allergic to fish or shellfish.